Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi and his family, fled the country in Jan 2018, days before PNB unearthed the biggest banking scam of India.

Mehul Choksi, one of the prime accused in the Rs 12,700 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, has justified his absence from the ongoing investigation in the case.

Nirav Modi's associate in his defence said that the manner in which the allegations have been exaggerated has left him “completely defenseless”, adding that he fears for his safety.

Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi and his family, fled the country in Jan 2018, days before PNB unearthed the biggest banking scam of India.

In a letter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) dated March 16, Choksi said he was extremely held up in his business abroad and was working hard to resolves the issues it is facing due to the “unnecessary closure of business in India” due to “untenable allegations”.

Earlier this month, the CBI wrote another letter to accused Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi telling them that they are obliged to join the investigation. Adding that the agency is not convinced by their excuses, the CBI said that both Choksi and Modi have not disclosed their location despite repeatedly asking them to do so.

Responding to CBI’s letter, Choksi said,” At the outset, I wish to bring to your kind attention that till date the Regional Passport Office has not communicated with me and my passport continues to remain suspended.I have the deepest respect for your good offices and therefore I assure your good offices that I am not making any excuse, whatsoever to travel to India.”